Historical Markers in
Mono County, California

Aurora and Owens River Wagon Road Avalanche of 1911 Bennettville Bodey’s Grave Bodie Bodie and Benton R. R. Bridgeport Chronicle-Union Bridgeport Elementary School "Bridgeport Inn" Carson’s Camp Casa Diablo Coleville Convict Lake Crowley Lake Dave McCoy De Chambeau Ranch Dog Town Dynamo Plant and Pond East Walker Toll House First Bridgeport Courthouse Flag on Centennial Bluff Fremont’s Trail 1844 From Scrubland to Ranchland Frontier Justice Golden Gate Mine Golden Gate Mine Grave of Adeline Carson Stilts Grave of the Unknown Prospector Historic Knight Wheel Hunewill Upper Sawmill James Stuart Cain June Lake Mining District Lee Vining Legend of Deadman Legend of June Lake Slot Machines Life in Bodie Little Bodie Lost Cement Mine Lundy Mammoth City Margaret & Emmett Hayden Cabin Masonic McGee Mountain Rope Tow #34 Mono County Court House Mono County Memorial Hall Mono Diggins Mono Lake Mono Mills Mono Mills Montgomery City California Mountain Warfare Training Center Navy Beach Old County Jail Old French Trail Old Mammoth Saloon Owens Valley Poor Farm Preserving Special Places Return to Bodie Sheriff James P. Dolan Temple of Folly The C-130 Crew The De Chamber Family "The Irwin" The Mammoth Consolidated Gold Mine The Red Cloud Mine The Tavern The Tioga Pass Road The White Fence at Old Mammoth Topaz Post Office Tragedy at Convict Lake Upside-Down House Welcome to Bodie Wells Fargo Agency and General Store West Portal Would-Be Miners and Occasional Tourists
In 1965, the Watts Riots erupted in Los Angeles after a police officer arrested a Black man for drunk driving. The six-day riot resulted in 34 deaths, over 1,000 injuries, and $40 million in property damage. The Watts Riots were a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement and helped to spark a nationwide conversation about race relations.
California random facts
Mono County, located in Eastern California, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Paiute and Shoshone tribes, who depended on the resources provided by the region's diverse ecosystems. European settlers arrived in the area during the California Gold Rush in the mid-19th century, with the discovery of gold in the nearby Bodie Hills.

In 1861, Mono County was officially established, named after Mono Lake, a prominent feature in the region. The county quickly became a popular destination for miners and prospectors looking to strike it rich in the surrounding mountains. The famous ghost town of Bodie grew rapidly, attracting a population of around 10,000 people at its peak. However, the mining boom was short-lived, and by the early 20th century, the mines began to decline, leading to the abandonment of many towns and the gradual decline of the mining industry in the county.

After the mining era, Mono County shifted its focus to other industries such as agriculture, logging, and tourism. The establishment of Yosemite National Park in 1890 and the development of the Tioga Pass Road through the area in the early 20th century brought an influx of visitors to the region, further supporting the growth of tourism-related businesses. The scenic beauty of Mono County, with its stunning landscapes, high mountain ranges, and numerous lakes, continues to attract outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers.

Today, Mono County is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. It is home to several popular destinations, including the iconic Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes ski resort, and the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park. With a population of around 14,000 people, the county is known for its small, tight-knit communities that preserve the area's unique history and traditions while embracing the opportunities of modern life.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Mono County, California.

  • 1861 - Mono County is formed from parts of Calaveras County, Fresno County, Mariposa County, and Tulare County.
  • 1862 - The first county seat is established at Aurora.
  • 1864 - Bodie, a famous mining town, is founded and becomes a booming gold mining center.
  • 1866 - The county seat is moved from Aurora to Bridgeport.
  • 1879 - Mono County is hit by a severe drought, causing many farmers and miners to leave the area.
  • 1913 - The Mono Lake Committee is formed to protect Mono Lake and its ecosystem.
  • 1941 - During World War II, the Mono County Airport is built as a military training base.
  • 1950 - The Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area is established to conserve the natural and cultural resources of the Mono Basin.
  • 1984 - Bodie State Historic Park is opened to the public, showcasing the preserved remains of the once-thriving mining town.
  • 1994 - Mono County experiences a significant earthquake, causing damage to buildings and infrastructure.
  • 2002 - Devils Postpile National Monument and the adjacent Rainbow Falls are designated as a National Monument.
  • 2019 - The population of Mono County is estimated to be around 14,200 people.